Boyd and Bennett & Tinkler-town and 2012.â€

Dragons tragic Stephen Gallagher joins us again, this time, talking about Darius Boyd and the decision/s that he will have to make as to where he will be in 2012, and how they will affect his career.

He’s in spectacular form, he’s won two premierships with two clubs, he’s won three State of Origin series and he’s wanting to follow Wayne Bennett to Newcastle. Now it’s confirmed that super coach Wayne Bennett is heading toÂ Tinkler-town. Darius Boyd is one of the hottest players in today’s game but with his “Where Wayne goes, I go” attitude, is that a good look for him?

There’s no doubting his immense talent, the boy is blessed in that department. His form in the first five rounds this season has set the Dragons campaign alight. Capping off an amazing Dragons win against the Bulldogs on Sunday, he pulled off what was a miracle at the SCG with his incredible intercept try. One that saved the Dragons six points at one end, and turned it in to six points at the other. He looks to be even better than what he was in 2010. His involvement in the game now isÂ devastatingÂ for other sides. Darius Boyd is a hot topic so far.

There’s no doubting Wayne Bennett’s success in the game. Having coached 610 club games as coach of Canberra, Brisbane and St. George Illawarra, he’s only lost 208 matches. He’s won 7 premierships and he’s coached Queensland to victory on 12 occasions and winning five Origin titles. He’s what every up and coming coach aspires to be. His new reign over the Knights next year will be one mostÂ eagerlyÂ anticipated by those in Newcastle. It’s made clear by Darius Boyd that wherever Bennett goes, he will follow. A Bennett/Boyd combo would be welcomed with open hands by any club. Pen hasn’t hit paper just yet though.

The lack of loyalty Darius Boyd has is concerning in my books. Despite him being one of the best player’s this season his attitude makes me think less of him. It seems to me he has no pride in which jersey he wears at club level and if Bennett is not coaching, it’s not good enough for him. He could wear a rubbish sack and be coached by Bennett and that would be enough for him. He has a lot of talent and skill, but is he just leeching off the success of Wayne Bennett? Do Knights fans want Darius Boyd despite his lack of loyalty? Is his talent good enough for them to look past his attitude? I guess we’ll all find out in due course.

As a Dragons fan I enjoy watching his venomous runs from the back, and his lethal attacking prowess. Seeing him play stand-off in the pre-season Charity Shield match against South Sydney led me to believe he can be the next Darren Lockyer, as being involved more throughout the game would make him a world beater. With Lockyer retiring at the end of the year, a move to stand-off in the near future would be brilliant and would be a rewarding positional change both personally, andÂ representatively.

What happens if Newcastle don’t have the coin Boyd wants? Does that mean Boyd will take a pay-cut to play under Wayne? Is there such a thing as Boyd without Bennett? Over the coming weeks, it’ll all unravel. As long as the standard of league keeps up, I’ll be a happy man. I’ve alreadyÂ pencilledÂ in Kyle Stanley as my 2012 fullback for St. George Illawarra.